Last Blog

So this is my last blog and I am so happy. I mean I like writing the blogs sometimes but because they had due dates it made me dislike them. I also didn’t like that we had certain topics we had to write about because some of the topics I didn’t like. Overall I guess it was ok. I just think our blogs should have been free write so that we all could have just let out our thoughts about whatever and instead of being due at the end of each week they should have been due at the end of the semester. I would recommend people to keep blogs because it allows them to just relieve themselves of whatever. You can just write about anything and not worry about getting a grade for it. You can misspell words, spaze out, or just write two sentences. It’s like an electronic journal. Well not really because everyone can read it and make comments. This being the last blog kind of symbolizes my growth from the beginning in the semester until now in English 101. This wasn’t my favorite class but I did pretty well for myself. I came into the class not thinking I was a good writer but after seeing my grade after turning them in it boost my confidence in my writing skills. I took this new confidence and did my best on all the papers I turned in. I guess this worked out for me because I never received a grade lower than a B’. Of course there are things I can still work on but now I can have a new perspective when I go into any writing assignment. I enjoyed reading some of my peer blogs as well. They had some interesting things going on in their lives. It allowed me to kind of get to know my classmates in a sense. Just by looking at a person you would never know who they are and what they’re about but these blogs has allowed us to become more aware of each others personalities. Although I liked blogging I’m not sad to say good bye to it but who knows maybe ill create another blog and continue to blog.

Bloomington Normal

If some of my friends decide to visit the town of Normal I would tell them not to come. If they were persistent on coming then I would tell them to stay on campus because that is where most of the activities and festivities happen. If they wanted to go outside of Normal I would say “We have plenty of places we can eat like Chillis, Ruby Tuesday, Olive Garden, and Outback.” I wouldn’t suggest they go to the mall because it’s a big disappointment. They should only resort to Eastland mall if it is their last resort. We could go to Wal-Mart, Target, and borders but these are the same stores we have back home so it wouldn’t be much fun. If they decided they wanted to just get on the bus to tour the town I wouldn’t suggest this either because we would have to wait until the end of every hour to get a bus. The only perk about the bus is it’s free for College students and everyone else pays a dollar. So after this heartbreaking news they ask so what will we do on campus and I would say “Well there’s more to do on campus then there is to do in the whole town.” We can eat for free in the dining centers. Catch a movie in the Capen auditorium that would only cost us a dollar a piece. Go to the Rec Center and play some sports or we could save some money and go on the quad and join someone else’s game. We could go to the BBC Center and bowl, sing Karaoke, or shoot some pool. We cool chill in any room in any dorm because everyone is friendly. We could play cards or other board games in the dorms or we could go to the Bone Student Center and relax. We could probably catch a basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or volleyball game depending which is in season. We could go to a frat party in one of the frat houses. Like I mentioned before I really wouldn’t suggest my friends visit Normal because it’s pretty boring here. I would only suggest they came down to visit if there was something big going on campus like Homecoming weekend.

Spring Break

Over spring break I visited my friends in Ohio at their school Central State University and then I headed to Atlanta to visit my Uncle to enjoy the nice weather and scenery. I left school the Thursday before spring break started, because I had to get the train to Chicago that night in order to get the Friday 8:00a.m. Megabus to Ohio. I almost missed the bus to Ohio because I was standing at the wrong bus stop, but fortunately someone told me where to go. The trip was five hours long. Since I traveled alone it was kind of boring. I had my computer and my IPOD though. Halfway through my trip I discovered I didn’t have a movie player downloaded onto my computer and I couldn’t watch SEX and The City. I was so disappointed because I was really looking forward to watching it. I continued to listen to my IPOD until I fell asleep. My neck started cramping so I had to wake up. It was an uncomfortable ride until the passenger sitting next to me got off in Indianapolis and I had two seats to myself. At 2:00p.m. I finally arrived in Ohio. I was relieved and ready to take a real nap, but I had to wait another hour before my friends could come get me because their school was an hour away from the bus stop. When I got to the campus I was so relieved but also surprised at the differences compared to ISU. My friends stayed in an all girls dorm and their rooms were so small. Their beds folded out from the wall. The whole time I made fun of their rooms. On top of the small rooms their meal plans consisted of swiping only three times a day and they couldn’t swipe in guest. This affected me because I couldn’t eat. They didn’t have any groceries and they had no car to travel and get food. I stayed there for 3 days and left on Sunday. I really enjoyed my time there we went to the Alpha fraternity’s party and just hung out with the students. Monday morning I headed to Atlanta on an Air Tran Plane. This was my first time flying alone so I was pretty scared but after we took off and was in the air for awhile I calmed down. Before I knew it I was in Atlanta. While in Atlanta I went to the King Center, Spelman and Morehouse College, Stone Mountain and several malls. I got to see the carriage Martin Luther King Jr. was carried in and I got to see his wife and his burials. We walked to his house but we couldn’t go in because we hadn’t signed up for the tour. After the historic part of my tour I got to do something I do best and that is shopping. I went to four malls throughout my stay and only brought home one bag. Overall I really enjoyed my spring break but I couldn’t wait to get back home so that I could rest before it was time to get back to work.

Getting Involved on campus

One of the events I attended on campus was a UPB (University Program Board) event. Every so often they host events to allow students to view popular movies in the Capen Auditorium. They usually show older movies first followed by more current movies. The cost is only one dollar and there is free popcorn. The night I went I saw the movie Role Models starring Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd. My three six friends joined me. When I first arrived a got my free popcorn and walked around the Capen Auditorium to inspect what other things they were selling. They had movie snacks like candy bars, skittles nachos, chips and a host of other things. They also had Different members of the UPB advertising other upcoming events and advising students to take some of their pamphlets. When we first arrived it was a nice crowd and people were excited. Upon entering the auditorium where the movie was to be shown I noticed a crowd of people sitting, trying to find seats and just socializing. When the movie began it was some chatter but it quickly died down. Throughout the movie the crowd cheered and laughed. The environment was great. It was a positive atmosphere. It was group of college students enjoying a comedic film on a Friday night with free popcorn. When the movie adjourned everyone clapped and cheered more and we headed home. Overall I have to say I had a fun night and it was a wonderful experience. I would definitely go out and support UPB again. One of the things I learned was to get out and get involved.

Today's Youth

I've decided to write about a topic I have written about before in H.S. because I feel it is important.
In my opinion, today’s youth should combat negative moral influences by finding a role model whom they look up to and who leads by setting great examples. A role model could set precedents in a young person’s life as to how they could aspire to be someday. Getting involved in positive school or community programs could also help students avoid negative influences. If more teenagers believed in themselves as well as their dreams, pessimistic ethical pressure would not be a problem because their confidence would be high and success would be the only option.
Today’s youth face many problems everyday but it is up to us to decide whether we want to be a part of the problem or problem solvers. Everyone has at least one person in their life that they desire to be like because of their superior qualities. I conclude, if our youth find their role model they will be more likely to combat negative moral influences because they will have someone they look up to. This means they will have someone to talk to and discuss whatever negative issues are going on. If this person is truly a good person he or she will give quality advice and will be willing to help. The teen will be attached to this person because they can relate, feel comfortable, and want to be like them. If the media, school, and music industry focused on more intellectual things and people, this could help the generation discover their role models and pursue their proper talent. If schools, parents, family and community leaders took the time out to get to know and understand students, this could help. Once you talk to someone, you find out his or her hobbies and interests. By doing this, parents could reach out to schools to request more programs or get new activities created. By popular demand and word of mouth community leaders could enforce such things to happen. If a child is offered to do something they love to do, he or she is going to do it no matter what the task is. I think parents and school officials should really reach out and promote such programs or projects just to get the youth involved. In some cases children tend to get in trouble because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time but if their involved in some community program or project, they’d be occupied with positive non-violent activities. By being involved with some type of legal and constructive group teens will more likely be under a positive moral influence instead of a harmful one.
Lastly, everyone needs to have self-confidence in order to believe in himself or herself. If the youth today are praised more than they are put down this, will build their self-esteem and give them tremendous confidence. Even if they live in a world that seems impossible, confidence will give them hope, which will lead to dreams and accomplishments. They will see someone like their role model and realize how all their dreams have come true and think, “ I can do it too!” All they need is one person in their corner pushing them, praising them, and believing in them and they will accomplish any goal without negative moral setbacks because they will have positive thoughts, dreams, and people in their life.
To sum up my thoughts, today’s youth just needs society‘s attention so they can provide successful goal-oriented role models, more improved activities and programs and confidence within themselves in order to combat negative moral influences. With hope, help and happiness a little can go a long way.

What would I be doing with my life....

If I received, in cash, all the money it costs for 4 years of tuition at ISU and the rule that I had to leave school and go out in the world to “spend” the money, I would first, use some of the money to pay off some of may parents debts. Then, I would by myself a condo in Chicago and a car to travel the world. With some of my money I would start an organization to help everyone in need. No matter what the situation was I would try to help. Then I would set up a meeting with Bill Gates to help me to continue to be successful, as well as continuing to make profit so that I could always give back. My journey would include traveling to Hawaii, Jamaica, Japan, Great Britain, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. While visiting all of theses wonderful places I would enjoy experiencing some cultural changes with some of the natives. I would try to participate in their daily activities by eating the foods, wearing their clothing, and participating in any festivities. Before I would leave these places, I would donate money to local cities to help in building recreation sites, feed and clothe the people, as well as helping to provide them with shelter. Also on my journey around the world I would like to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa in England and go to the top level to eat a slice of pizza. I would want to visit the Statute of Liberty just to say as a free American I have been there. I would set up a meeting will Bill Gates again to help donate computers to some of the poorest schools throughout America. I would pay some of the most famous chefs in America to cook the delicious meals to help feed the families in South Africa. I would send money to the soldiers as well as their families. If I didn’t have to have an education I would probably be devoting my life to helping others. They are so many people in this world who are less fortunate. They would be thankful to receive half of what I own. I would be happy to make other people smile by providing for them the things they should have a right to have like homes, food, water, clothing, transportation, books, sports, and so much more. I believe everyone deserves to live a happy life.

Advice for the freshmen

Dear future ISU Freshmen,
I would like to tell you about three things that you’ll need to know in order to survive Illinois State University. First, you’ll need to know some good study tips. The second thing you will need to know is how to use your time wisely. Lastly, but definitely not least you will need to know how to get the proper amount of rest. To be a successful student you need to know how to study, when to study, what to study and where to study. For some people that have come to college this was a difficult task for them, because they never really had to study like college students study. For starters you should study by going over your class notes provided in class that day, everyday. By doing this you are staying on top of your studies and making sure you are following the material from the class. Also, when it is time for a quiz or a test you’ll be prepared. Even on the weekends you should pick one day to skim over your notes from the previous week so you can go into the next week section with background information on the new material. When you are studying your notes, you can read over them along with any other materials your professor provided you with while teaching it to you. If there is something you don’t understand you should email your teacher and or ask a classmate for help. Try to study in a quiet place to make sure you don’t have anything distracting you. You should be comfortable enough to focus but not too comfortable that it’s going to make you fall asleep. Try not to study in your bed because this can be an easy way to fall asleep while reading over your notes especially if they aren’t interesting. Instead you should study at a desk or tale sitting upright. Now, that you know how to study lets move on to managing your time. Time can go by so quick that you’ll always be wondering where the time went. Well you don’t want to be one of those people so just try to keep a set schedule to make sure you’re doing everything you need to. Try to write down your class schedule in a visible place you can view everyday. This way you will be less likely to miss a class. Keep tack of meetings, organizations, and homework assignments you have due by posting them on your calendar or making sticky note reminders. You want to have a routine schedule because it will enable you to keep up with all the things you need to keep up with. Lastly don’t forget to get some sleep. Sometimes college students forget that sleep is as important as eating. When you sleep it allows your body to rest and create energy for when you are awake. You should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. By doing so you will be able to concentrate and be more alert in class as well as in your daily activities. Cramming can be very bad for your body and eventually your health because sleeping is a vital part of life. Every once in awhile you may need to take a nap and you should do it because this will in turn help you.